Poker run, bike night benefits emergency responders

September 7, 2012

There will be bikes, a poker run, music by a top local band and more at the United Plaza's "United 9/11 Memorial Poker Run and Bike Night" on Saturday, Sept. 8.

To register for the Poker Run, participants will gather at the Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, 2160 Colonial Blvd. Poker Run registration runs from 4:30-5 p.m. that day.

"Prizes include a variety of cash and other items, and there will be a prize for the best hand and worst hand," said organizer Lisa Reece of Extraordinary Eventz. Call 275-4647 for the shop.

"It's for a really great cause - we'd love to have everyone come out, bikers or not," said Reece.

There will be free admission to the event from 6-10 p.m.

"Entertainers include Deb and the Dynamics, one of the best if not the best band in Southwest Florida," she said.

She's worked with them before at different events and they are a crowd pleaser in her book.

"This is a community event open to the public to benefit Lee County Emergency Workers," she said. "100 percent of the Poker Run entry fees go directly to the charity fund. It is supporting a great cause, supporting our firefighters and public safety workers."

There are several stops on the poker run at area fire stations.

"Three Poker Run stops will be at fire stations in Tice, Bayshore and at North Fort Myers fire station," said Reece. "In addition, we will also have the Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum Band, out of Lee County. They will be playing at 5:30 before Deb and the Dynamics."

There will be vendors and lots of fun, food, bikes and more.

"My client is the owner of United Plaza, and has been doing charity events for several years, and wanted to do something for 9/11 and specifically for emergency workers, to acknowledge our local emergency workers," Reece said. "It's going to be a super fun event. We will also have antique fire engines, lots of firefighters and local emergency workers, along with tons of bikers who will be there to raise money for them."

United Plaza is on the corner of Pondella Road and Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers. Admission to the event is free. For information, call 282-9526.